Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Jimmy Raye, vice president of football operations, talk as the Indianapolis Colts practice at training camp, on Sunday, August 10, 2014, in Anderson. (Photo: Brent Drinkut/The Star)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano cheers as Ryan Mueller, 7, makes his way to the center of the circle as a group of Riley Hospital patients (right side of photo) received VIP treatment at training camp, on Sunday, August 10, 2014, in Anderson. (Photo: Brent Drinkut/The Star)

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After a tumultuous three seasons with Miami during which his effort was questioned, Davis has developed into one of the Colts' stars. His man-to-man coverage skills, in particular, are the ideal fit for defensive coordinator Greg Manusky's aggressive scheme.

But even though Davis acknowledges no difference, the spotlight will shine brighter in 2014 given the new contract.

He's no longer working to overcome a reputation for being something less than a hard worker with the Dolphins. Instead, the conversation now centers on whether he's an elite cornerback, not just a very good one.

He changed the narrative by playing the best football of his career last season, in a contract year, no less. The missing elements now are consistency and game-changing playmaking.

"If you're going to say, 'This guy is an elite guy,' (Darrelle) Revis back in the day, doing what he did, it came down to picks," Manusky said. "Is he going to get picks? Then sometimes there's an elite guy and they're not going to throw to him. From that standpoint, I think that's the way the majority of people judge it, so that's what he's got to do."

Davis has just four interceptions in his two seasons with the Colts, only one last season. Is that because quarterbacks were dissuaded from throwing in his direction, as Manusky said is common with the game's best corners?

No matter. The Colts obviously consider Davis to be in the conversation with the best corners in the league. He's capable of playing on an island without safety help, generally standing tall against even the biggest challenges. (Last season's matchup with Denver's Demaryius Thomas comes to mind.)

Thus the big contract.

The Colts, while aiming to keep the Davis deal in check, relented during negotiations in the face of escalating cornerback salaries, not to mention the prospect of Davis leaving as a free agent.

The momentum at the position has continued, with the recent signings of Revis (Patriots), Patrick Peterson (Cardinals), Richard Sherman (Seahawks) and Joe Haden (Browns) continuing to raise the financial bar.

That quartet, which is comprised of the four highest-paid cornerbacks in the game, each make salaries in excess of $13 million per year.

By that measurement, Davis' $9 million-plus per year is a bit easier to swallow.

Not that Davis is into comparisons.

"I really don't measure myself," he said. "I'm the kind of guy who just prepares. I go out and try to be the best I can be. That's all I can do. That's all I can control."

Maybe the more important comparison is the one weighing this season's Colts defense against last season's. Davis has a chance to significantly affect the unit's performance, especially with games against the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively.

Can Davis play at an elite level? If he can, it could have a dramatic impact on the Colts' defensive fortunes.